US military officials are monitoring a series of drone incidents near USAF-operated bases in England, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Major General Pat Ryder confirmed during a press briefing.
The incursions occurred over RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, and RAF Feltwell in Norfolk from November 20 to 26, 2024, and have raised questions about their origin and intent.
However, no significant threats to personnel or assets have been reported.
The incursions occurred over RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, and RAF Feltwell from November 20 to 26, 2024 and have raised questions about their origin and intent.
However, no significant threats to personnel or assets have been reported.
“[These incidents] are being actively monitored,” said Ryder. “Installation leaders have determined so far that none of these incursions impact the base residents, the facilities or the assets that we have on those bases.”
When asked about the possibility of hostile intent or foreign adversaries being involved, Ryder emphasized that it was too early to draw conclusions.
“It would be premature to speculate or draw unnecessary connections,” he said, noting the increasing prevalence of small unmanned aerial systems (UASs) globally.
Around 60 British military personnel were deployed to support the investigation into the drone incursions, The Times reported.
The Pentagon remains cautious but has not escalated its response. Ryder stated that US forces retain the right to defend themselves if a drone is deemed a threat but declined to elaborate on specific force protection measures.
“We’ll continue to work with the local host nation authorities,” he added.
The incidents in England come amid broader concerns about drone activity near strategic assets. On November 22, 2024, the German daily Bild reported that a large drone flew above the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier while it was moored in the port of Hamburg.
In December 2023, drones were observed over Langley Air Force Base in Virginia for more than 17 days. This base is home to the USAF Air Combat Command headquarters and several F-22 Raptor squadrons.